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Team nicknames can be tricky things. American sports tend to struggle with this notion and usually opt for something generic, i.e. the Tennessee Titans. The NBA is especially guilty of meaningless nicknames. There aren’t too many bulls running the streets of Chicago, jazz musicians setting up shop in Utah, or grizzlies terrorizing Memphis. What draws so many to English football is the history, passion, and tribal following of each club. More often than not, Premier League nicknames are a reflection of a club’s identity and heritage.

Colombian James Rodriguez has nearly doubled his value in the transfer market since joining Real Madrid. Rodriguez has done this despite not having won La Liga, the Copa del Rey or the Champions League, and despite spending time away from the field due to injuries (he suffered a thigh tear with Colombia during the most recent international break and is expected to be out for several weeks).

Rodriguez’s career at Real Madrid so far seems to be all about numbers, so here are the 20 numbers we would use to explain how it’s gone so far for the young attacking mid.

It seems like just yesterday that Chelsea paraded their 5th Premier League title down Kings Road, and yet the start of the 2015-16 Barclays Premier League is already upon us. 

Since the end of May you’ve likely spent your weekends visiting relatives, enjoying summer morning walks or leisurely breakfasts with your family. You might have taken up a new hobby or started volunteering at your local soup kitchen, or perhaps you’ve joined a book club to broaden your literary horizons. 

As the Premier League comes to a close, The18 has compiled our ultimate XI team with the best players this season.

The future of South American soccer could boost England's talent.

You won’t be able to take your eyes off of the most spectacular soccer photography we have ever seen.

As David Luiz sent Chelsea crashing out of the Champions League on his return to Stamford Bridge, we look at some of the most notorious acts of treachery in football history.

Life is confusing. Soccer is simple. It’s a good thing that the latter can teach us about the former, and not the other way around.